Saving money on energy benefits you in more ways than one. It reduces your monthly electricity charges and saves you the cost of replacing appliances that consume too much energy.
It’s easy to make a few painless changes to reduce your electric use. Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Change your light bulbs.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
While light bulbs may not seem like a big energy drain, they’re one of the fourth largest household consumers of energy. And changing out your old bulbs for more efficient ones can save you a lot of money over time, not to mention reduce your carbon footprint.
The best choice for most households are CFLs and LEDs, which use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last a lot longer, so you won’t have to change them as often. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs, which have been tested to meet rigorous energy efficiency standards.
These bulbs are available in a wide range of shapes and styles, but be careful: Some brands don’t work in enclosed fixtures or burn out within a year because they can’t disperse heat fast enough. Check the packaging for suggested fixture types and light fixture compatibility.
Another option is to install a timer or dimming switch, which can help you cut down on electricity usage. By turning lights off when a room isn’t in use, you can dramatically lower your energy bills and prevent excess heat from building up. It’s also a great way to keep your home more comfortable and well-lit.
Turn Down Your Thermostat
Thermostat control is one of the most significant behavioral changes that can be made to reduce energy use and save money. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of all residential energy use, and reducing how much is used on a day-to-day basis can make a big difference to your utility bills.
In winter, experts recommend setting the thermostat at 68 degrees when you’re home and dropping it to a lower temperature before bed or leaving for the day. This can cut your heating costs by about 10%.
Some people may worry that lowering the thermostat will keep them too cold, but it’s not as bad as you might think. In fact, keeping the heat at a low level can actually help you sleep better at night. It takes the body a little longer to get up to the right temperature when it’s too cold, and the cooler temperatures can make for a more restful sleep.
Using a programmable thermostat or “smart” thermostat is another great way to save money by controlling the temperature of your home throughout the day, and many smart thermostats have settings for when you’re away from the house. Be sure to consult your thermostat user manual for specific instructions on how to properly set up these controls. Insulating your home and preventing drafts are additional ways to save money on your electric bill, as is making sure that appliances are running efficiently and that you’re changing the furnace filter regularly.
Unplug Unused Devices
Every home has at least a few appliances and electronics that are always plugged in. These are known as energy vampires and can use electricity even when they’re turned off. Leaving devices plugged in can drain your electricity bill and cost you $100-$200 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This may seem like a small amount of money, but it adds up over time and can be comparable to an entire month’s electric bill in some households.
Unplugging unused devices is one of the easiest ways to save energy in your house. A good place to start is with your entertainment setup: your TV, stereo equipment and game consoles are all using electricity, even when they’re “off” or on standby. Some of these devices also have ECO modes or similar features that claim to use less power, but they can still draw significant amounts of electricity when they’re not used.
The same goes for laptops and computers. You can tally up the amount of electricity that they’re using by plugging a handheld electricity monitor into an outlet and running it for a few hours. Once you see the wattage, it’s easy to make a habit of unplugging these devices after each use. This will help you avoid wasting energy and extend the life of your devices.
Upgrade Your Appliances
If you have appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers or air conditioners that are older than 10 years consider replacing them with energy-efficient models. Look for Energy Star rated products that use 10-50% less energy than standard models and have many of the same features. There are also many tax incentives and rebates available for homeowners that help offset the cost of the new appliances.
You can also save on your electricity costs by fine-tuning the way you use your existing appliances. For example, you can lower the temperature setting on your fridge and freezer without compromising food safety or run your washing machine with cold water instead of hot. Similarly, you can reduce the amount of time your dishwasher runs and only run it when you have a full load.
Another option is to invest in an expert that can come out to your home and conduct an energy audit or assessment. This can identify areas where you can save on your electricity bills, such as swapping out old lightbulbs for more efficient LEDs, sealing gaps around doors and windows that allow heat to escape or cool air in, or recommending which appliances to replace with newer, more energy-efficient models. There are many private and public utilities that offer this service, as well as some government agencies.